Add length to any skirt using this simple technique. This is an easy sew technique for the beginner sewer, no sewing machine needed.
A couple of weeks ago there was a big event at work and we were asked to dress up in formal attire. Now I am a huge girly girl so that meant SHOPPING!!! Saturday morning we got up and went to the mall for some retail therapy. I found a cute dress at JCPennys for only $15 and I absolutely fell in love. It fit me perfectly and hugged the right curves and hid the bad ones.
The only problem was that it was just a little too short. Oh, how I hate my ugly knees
Well, I am a crafty kinda girl so I figured I could solve the problem and add length to the skirt. At first I was just going to try to find a black fabric that was similar to the dress and create a ruffle on the bottom. But I found this in the trim section at JoAnn’s Fabric and it was perfect! The ruffled trim was about 3 inches wide and the edge was already finished. Less work for me! (I also found white trim and made a mental note to remember that for next time.)
I did these alterations sitting in my son’s hospital room at Primary Children’s so I apologize that the pictures don’t have the best lighting. Yup, that same morning I went shopping was the same morning my son crashed on his skateboard and landed himself in the hospital for 4 days. You can read more about that here if you would like.
Before I stitched the trim onto the hem of the dress I Pinned it in place because I wanted to make sure it would look alright and match.
Then tried it on and modeled it for my hubby. It was perfect!
I didn’t want the stitching to show on outside of the dress so I opted for hand stitching and took extra care to only stitch on the inside layer of the hem and not go all the way through.
I told a couple of people about my alteration and they all said they never would have guess and it looked like it should have been bought that way! That is exactly what I was going for.
I wish had taken a better picture, but it was dark at the event and all I had had was my iPhone camera so all of the pictures were a little fuzzy.
But I did get this great picture of my team and you can see my dress. I have to say that my absolutely most favorite part of my outfit was my hot pink heels. I love them!
Andi says
August 1, 2012 at 2:21 amWhat a great idea! I pretty frequently find dresses that are just a bit too short, so this is a good way to make them wearable!
Grammy Goodwill says
August 1, 2012 at 2:53 amImagine being able to buy that fabric already ruffled. It was meant to be. You look great, and I love those heels, too.
Debra Kapellakis says
August 1, 2012 at 1:40 pmYou look great and those heels are pretty.
blissfulsewing says
August 1, 2012 at 4:37 pmAwesome………!! Thanks for sharing such a great idea,I always loved such idea of other bloggers.
http://www.blissfulsewing.blogspot.com
Debi Bolocofsky says
August 1, 2012 at 8:03 pmThis is a really cute idea. I have a link party, and I would love it if you would link this post. It is called Wednesdays Adorned From Above Link Party. You can find it at
http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/08/natural-translucent-face-powder-update.html
I hope to see you there. Have a great Day.
Debi Bolocofsky
Adorned From Above
http://www.adornedfromabove.com
Libby says
August 3, 2012 at 2:36 pmWhat a fantastic idea. Most of the time the dresses I find are too long or too short. The too long can be fixed with a chop and a hem, but now you’ve given me some ideas for the too short. Great idea and I hope your son is better now.
* Stopping by from Sweet Sharing Monday.
http://www.artisticexpressionsbyelisabeth.blogspot.com
Laura Cyra says
August 3, 2012 at 4:05 pmVery crafty!! You’re brave trying that out I would of never thought of that. Laura stopping by from Real Momma and the Best of Your Best Blog Hop!
Kelley @ Miss Information says
August 3, 2012 at 4:23 pmI love it, thanks so much for linking up at the the Best of Your Best Blog hop at Miss Information!
Shiloh says
August 6, 2012 at 9:12 pmThat ruffle is a great idea. I’ve done lace and ribbons before, but a ruffle is terrific!
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
August 7, 2012 at 2:16 pmThat little ruffle looks great! Super smart idea, and you did a fabulous job stitching it 🙂 Stopping by from Winthrop Chronicles!
Erin says
August 7, 2012 at 11:08 amNice !! love it!!
[email protected] Off Friday says
August 7, 2012 at 6:35 pmThat’s brilliant and it makes the skirt look even more classy!
Mercy says
August 7, 2012 at 9:44 pmLooks great! I’ll have to try that!
Just Jaime says
August 7, 2012 at 10:55 pmSmart!! I have a few skirts that could use this!
Sara @ My Merry Messy Life says
August 8, 2012 at 1:57 amGreat job! Good pictures so that someone could actually follow your instructions. Thanks for linking up at Hookin On Hump Day!
Serena says
August 8, 2012 at 7:23 pmI’ve often thought of doing this to short dresses but just have never had time. I think you’ve just motivated me to do it 🙂 Great job!
Serena
Thrift Diving
http://www.ThriftDiving.com
Shannon says
August 11, 2012 at 1:35 amLooks great! I love crafty inventions! And to find trim that’s already finished – total bonus!
AmieAnn says
August 12, 2012 at 12:28 pmThis is adorable.. what a great way to dress up and lengthen your skirt! Thanks so much for sharing with the Pink Hippo Party!
xoxo
Amie @ Pinkapotamus
Kathryn Ferguson Griffin says
August 21, 2012 at 3:03 amWell, look at how cute you look! Great job!! Thank you for sharing this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see you again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Megan/Brassy Apple says
February 4, 2013 at 3:42 pmFABuLOUS!!! thanks for linking up to Ispy Refashion! I’ll be sharing your link on my FB page!
Bethany says
February 4, 2013 at 4:50 pmGreat idea! Turned out so cute!
Karen at Bargain-ista.com says
February 9, 2013 at 5:51 amI had no idea you could buy ready-made ruffles! This post just may change my life 🙂 Darling dress, you look great!
dedivahdeals.com says
July 29, 2013 at 5:01 pmGreat idea – thanks for sharing.
Amy says
July 30, 2013 at 6:38 pmA great idea, and really simple. Thanks.
Brittnei Washington says
July 30, 2013 at 10:45 pmAdorable! You made that look so easy! I will definitely have to follow you to get more tips for later. I really want to get into sewing more. I’m so ambitious about it but everything else seems to be taking up my time. Thank you for linking up with the Mommy Monday Hop. I’m following you now on everything!! <3
Michele Reynolds says
July 31, 2013 at 4:54 pmYour adorable and your ruffles are super sexy/girly! Pinned:) I posted DIY Doily Jacket this week:)
Michele Reynolds says
July 31, 2013 at 4:56 pmHope your son is doing better too:)